LSU Spring Football: Top performers and key takeaways from Tuesday’s practice

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LSU Spring Football: Top performers and key takeaways from Tuesday’s practice

LSU’s sixth spring practice session on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, provided valuable insights into the team’s development as they prepare for the upcoming season. The practice featured a mix of individual drills, 7-on-7, and 11-on-11 scrimmage periods, offering a comprehensive look at both established players and emerging talents.

Offensive Highlights

  • Garrett Nussmeier’s Commanding Performance: Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier demonstrated exceptional accuracy and decision-making throughout the practice. Despite challenging wind conditions, he consistently delivered precise passes. A standout moment was a deep sideline throw to Chris Hilton in double coverage, showcasing his confidence and arm strength. However, Nussmeier did experience a minor setback with an interception during 7-on-7 drills, where a pass deflected twice before being picked off by safety Austin Ausberry.

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  • Emergence of Tight Ends: The tight end duo of Trey’Dez Green and Bauer Sharp made significant impacts during the session. Green, in particular, displayed his receiving prowess with multiple impressive catches, including a notable touchdown reception over cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson during 7-on-7 drills. Sharp also contributed with contested receptions, indicating a promising depth at the tight end position.

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  • Wide Receiver Contributions: The receiving corps showed depth and versatility. Chris Hilton made a remarkable sideline catch in double coverage, while Barion Brown utilized his speed to create separation, notably on a 20-plus yard completion during 11-on-11 drills. Zavion Thomas and Destyn Hill also had notable performances, each winning their respective one-on-one matchups.

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  • Running Back Rotation: Caden Durham and Kaleb Jackson received substantial reps during the practice. Durham showcased his agility with a 20-yard run around the right end, while Jackson demonstrated power in his runs up the middle. Both backs are competing to establish themselves in the Tigers’ backfield rotation.

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  • Offensive Line Configuration: The first-team offensive line featured Tyree Adams (LT), Paul Mubenga (LG), DJ Chester (C), Coen Echols (RG), and Weston Davis (RT). This group provided solid protection and opened running lanes, contributing to the offense’s overall effectiveness during the scrimmage periods.

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Defensive Highlights

  • Secondary’s Playmaking Ability: The defensive backs were active and disruptive. Cornerback Michael Turner impressed with an interception and a pass breakup during 11-on-11 drills, showcasing his ball-hawking skills. Safety Dashawn Spears also made a significant play with an interception, jumping a route during 7-on-7 drills. Additionally, freshman cornerback DJ Pickett displayed his athleticism with a pass breakup, indicating a bright future in the secondary.

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  • Defensive Line Pressure: The defensive front applied consistent pressure during drills. EDGE rusher Patrick Payton notably disrupted plays, including a tackle for loss against tight end Trey’Dez Green during 11-on-11 sessions. The rotation of defensive ends, including Jack Pyburn and Jimari Butler, suggests a deep and versatile pass-rushing unit.

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  • Linebacker Activity: Linebackers West Weeks and Davhon Keys were active in both run support and pass coverage. Weeks made a notable tackle for no gain during the first scrimmage period, while Keys applied pressure that forced an incompletion on a fourth-down play, highlighting their readiness to contribute significantly to the defense.

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Special Teams Notes

  • Punting Evaluation: The punting unit displayed inconsistency during the practice. While Badger Hargett delivered a standout 60-yard punt that landed inside the 10-yard line, other attempts lacked similar effectiveness. Long snapper Jonathan Ferguson had an errant snap, indicating areas needing improvement before the season commences.

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  • Punt Returners: The trio of Zavion Thomas, Aaron Anderson, and Barion Brown took reps as punt returners, showcasing the coaching staff’s emphasis on identifying reliable options for the special teams unit.

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Overall Observations

The sixth spring practice session highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement for the LSU Tigers. The offense, under the leadership of Garrett Nussmeier, exhibited explosive potential, particularly with the emerging synergy between the quarterback and his tight ends. The defense demonstrated playmaking capabilities, especially in the secondary, indicating a focus on creating turnovers. Special teams remain a work in progress, with consistency in the punting game needing attention. As spring practices continue, the coaching staff will aim to build on these performances, refining strategies and solidifying the depth chart ahead of the 2025 season.

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